35% of respondents, in a recent annual Gallup poll that dates back to 2002, identified real estate as the best long-term investment option compared to 27% who identified stocks. The top choices included real estate, stocks, savings accounts and gold. Even with the remarkable prices of the different U.S. stock indices recorded in 2019 through April and May, homes have the highest confidence in the minds...
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The Internal Revenue Service considers four different types of real estate. Specific types of properties have benefits based on their classification. The determination does not depend on the property itself as much as it depends on how the property is used and what the owner's intentions are. Principal Residence ... a principal residence is the place a person lives or expects to return if they are...
Leverage is an investment term that describes the use of borrowed funds to control an asset; sometimes referred to as using other people's money. Borrowed funds can affect the investment in your home positively. For instance, if you had a $100,000 rental property, collected the rents and paid the expenses and had $10,000 left, you would earn a 10% return (divide the $10,000 by the $100,000.) With no loan...
Two things can happen when the mortgage rates go up before you've found a home or locked-in your mortgage. You'll either pay the current mortgage rate which means a higher payment, or you'll have to increase your down payment to keep the monthly payment at the same level. If the rate were to go up by ½%, the payment on a $275,000 mortgage would increase by $82.87 per month for the entire 30-year...
Square footage is commonly used to determine if a home will fit a buyer's needs. The price per square foot can be used to compare the costs of different homes and even, determine the value of a property. The challenge is what is the source of the square footage measurement and how was it done. County records use square footage to determine assessed value for property tax purposes. They are assumed to be...
Aside from standing water in your yard or water running out from under a sink, the first indication that you might have a water leak comes from a larger than normal water bill. Before calling a leak specialist or a plumber, there is a simple diagnostic you can perform. Go through your home and make certain that all the faucets are turned off and that the toilets have indeed stopped filling the reserve....
Aside from standing water in your yard or water running out from under a sink, the first indication that you might have a water leak comes from a larger than normal water bill. Before calling a leak specialist or a plumber, there is a simple diagnostic you can perform. Go through your home and make certain that all the faucets are turned off and that the toilets have indeed stopped filling the reserve....
Owning a home is the first step to building equity. Tenants build equity but not for themselves; they build it for the owners. Equity is the difference in the value of the home and what is owed on the home. There are two dynamics that cause this to grow: appreciation and principal reduction. As the home increases in value, it is said to appreciate. Various authorities will annualize an appreciation rate...
Whether you're an owner now or expect to be one in the future, it is important to be familiar with the federal tax laws that affect homeownership. Since personal income tax was enacted in 1913 with the 16th amendment, homes have had preferential treatment. The mortgage interest deduction is based on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt used to buy, build or improve a principal residence. In addition to the...
June and July are the busiest home sale months of the year. When inventory is in short supply and you may be competing with other offers, it is important to show the seller you're serious. Make your offer look as good as possible because you may not get the chance to make or accept a counter-offer. Put yourself in the seller's shoes. Your home has just gone on the market. There is lots of activity and...